Estonia
The US State Department has approved the sale of Javelin missiles and equipment to Estonia for $296 million. The contract includes 800 missiles and 84 launchers to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
Estonia has revoked the residence permit of Ukrainian Stanislav Matlak, who was in contact with the FSB. He was deported from the country and handed over to the Ukrainian authorities.
Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.
The EU has imposed sanctions against 21 individuals and 6 organizations for destabilization and spreading propaganda. The restrictions apply to vessels, aviation, real estate and crypto assets linked to the Russian Federation.
The EU has approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, including 75 individuals and legal entities, as well as companies involved in the military-industrial complex, "shadow fleet" vessels, and even Surgutneftegas.
European countries are trying to persuade Trump not to withdraw from the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine. After Trump's conversation with Putin, European leaders were shocked.
Russia is building military bases and infrastructure near the borders of Finland and Estonia. Analysts predict that it will take Russia five years to build up its forces to a threatening level.
According to the Estonian Foreign Minister, on May 20, the EU will approve the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the shadow fleet and energy revenues. The 18th package of restrictions is "already moving".
Western intelligence agencies suggest that in the event of a truce, Russia may transfer troops to the borders of Finland, Norway, the Baltic countries and Belarus. The infrastructure is already ready.
Russia is strengthening bases and building infrastructure near the border with Finland. Finnish military officials predict an increase in Russian troops after the war in Ukraine.
Russia Detained the Greek Oil Tanker Green Admire, Which Was En Route from Estonia to Rotterdam. Estonia Has Warned NATO Allies About the Unpredictable Behavior of the Russian Federation.
On May 17, a Russian drone hit a passenger bus in Sumy region, killing 9 people. Ombudsman Lubinets stated that international law is not in effect, and the impunity of the Russian Federation leads to new crimes.
Two helicopters flying from Tallinn to Kokemäki collided near Eura. There were 5 people on board, including Estonian businessmen who were invited to the event.
Estonia is hosting the largest military exercises Hedgehog 25, involving 16,000 soldiers from 10 NATO countries. Tallinn is building 600 bunkers and a military base on the border with Russia.
The finalists of Eurovision-2025 have been determined in Basel after two semi-finals. Ukraine has reached the final, where the founding countries and winners of the qualifying rounds will also perform.
Bookmakers predict Sweden's victory at Eurovision 2025. Ukraine has an 11% chance of making the top five, and Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and other countries have also qualified for the final.
In the semi-finals and final of Eurovision-2025 in Basel, viewers will see performances by winners of past years, including NEMO, Baby Lasagna and Jerry Heil.
Eurovision 2025 Scandal Overview: Criticism of Ziferblat's Costumes, Plagiarism Accusations, Support for Russia by Participants, and Song Censorship. Will the scandals affect the contest results?
In Estonian Narva, a banner depicting Putin as Hitler with the inscription "Putler - war criminal" was hung on the wall of the castle. The museum director called it a reminder of the war.
The British government has imposed sanctions against 100 oil tankers that are part of the Russian shadow fleet. Since the beginning of 2024, they have transported goods worth more than $24 billion.
Latvia and Lithuania did not allow Slovak Prime Minister Fico to fly to Moscow, as did Estonia. The reason is participation in the Kremlin's propaganda event on May 9, which is incompatible with EU values.
Only 14 EU countries have formally requested increased defense spending, casting doubt on the European Commission's €800 billion ReArm Europe plan due to limited budgetary capacity.
Georgia dropped 11 positions in the press freedom ranking due to the hostile environment for the media and attacks on journalists. Ukraine took 62nd place, and Russia – 171st, dropping by 9 lines.
According to the ranking of the organization "Reporters Without Borders", global press freedom has deteriorated. Ukraine is ranked 62nd, between South Korea and Brazil.
Against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine, 16 countries in the EU have initiated a request to activate the "exception clause". This should facilitate the transition to higher defense spending at the national level.
National Security Advisor Waltz stated that the US can no longer subsidize European security due to the large debt. Aid to Ukraine should be provided under the leadership of Europe.
Estonia has declared its readiness to join the coalition of countries led by Britain and France, which provides security guarantees to Ukraine. The country may send a ground combat unit.
European armies are understaffed and underfunded, making it difficult to create a deterrent force in Ukraine. Many countries are not ready to provide soldiers.
Latvian companies will supply 12,000 drones within the framework of the Drone Coalition. Support for the coalition to Ukraine in 2024 amounted to EUR 1.8 billion.
The Ukrainian national team took fourth place at the European U-23 Championship in Tallinn. Ukrainian sabre and foil fencers won bronze medals in team competitions.